Maitland Delays Annexation Vote For Subdivisions

November 13, 1985|By Dianne Selditch of The Sentinel Staff

MAITLAND — Accepting an olive branch from a developer's attorney, the city council agreed to wait until Friday to vote on annexing three subdivisions and the 100 acres on which the Landmark-Wilson developers propose a major complex.

''I can't say, 'trust me, trust me,' just be flexible, be flexible,'' attorney Hal Kantor told the council Monday night. ''I believe the matter can be settled. I urge you to refrain from voting on the ordinance.''

Maitland is in the midst of an annexation process that, by state law, requires the adoption of an ordinance -- the action that was delayed Monday -- and a referendum set for Dec. 17. In the referendum the residents of Maitland and the homeowners in the Druid Isles, Druid Hills and Druid Hills Estates subdivisions would decide whether they want the area to be annexed.

The city's land attorney, Paul Gougelman, said the council could wait until Friday to vote on the ordinance without disrupting the election timetable. A special meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers.

Meanwhile, the city decided to look for smaller parcels of land in its search to develop a community park. Officials are considering using smaller parcels to create several recreational facilities.

Maitland dashed the dream of a large community park when the city withdrew its suit to condemn 33 acres along Maitland Boulevard that Orange County rezoned for office use. Monday, the council directed the parks and recreation department to find other sites.

During the past several weeks, city council members Richard Howell and the city's planning staff have met three times with the developers to lessen the gap between Landmarks Wilson Joint Venture group's original plans for a hotel, 1 million-square-foot shopping mall, sports complex and homes, and the city's long-range plans for homes or other uses that are compatible with residences such as one-story offices.

Although the developers have apparently offered a portion of the property as a park, Howell said, ''I think it's a carrot.''

Howell, who insisted that the city have ''a voice in development'' said he has not been impressed with the negotiations so far.

''There's no indication there would be any movement away from the intensity of the commercial property,'' he said. ''We're looking for a reduction and change in concept and intensity.''

''I wouldn't be suggesting this without the possibility of reduction,'' Kantor said. ''I know things I can't tell you.'' He said that at the last meeting the city's position was made clearer to the developers.

Kantor suggested that the sides continue to negotiate with the option that either could stop on a day's notice and that the developers would withdraw their original proposal from the county and regional review process before it is set for a public hearing.

If the negotiations were successful, the developers would ask to be annexed into the city.

Druid Isles resident Bob Rawa, representing at least 100 of 103 homeowners in the three subdivisions, urged that the annexation proceed.

Last week Kantor informed the council that Landmarks-Wilson would sue the city and each council member if the property is annexed. The lawsuit would seriously hamper any negotiations, he said.

Monday his appeal was gentler as he compared the negotiations to a boxing match with opponents getting down to business after the first few rounds.

''I like what I'm hearing from him, he's speaking in a more conciliatory manner,'' said council member James Ciaravino.